CUMBRIA Police has seen positive progress in their work to cut antisocial behaviour (ASB) in South Cumbria.

Over the last three months, officers have completed 12 arrests, 24 stop and searches, as well as 76 intel submissions from the public.

The results come from the introduction of Operation Enhance, which has seen 18 extra police patrols working additional hours in areas identified as hotspots for ASB and/or serious violence across the county such as Kendal, Ulverston and Bowness.

In the South Lakes area, figures currently indicate that there has been a reduction in reported ASB by 35% (compared to the previous year).

The South Lakes Neighbourhood Policing Team are also working hard to disrupt anti-social behaviour.

At the start of October, they secured an extension of an Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction (ASBI) until the New Year which was given to a teen from Ulverston in July of this year.

The interim injunction, which carries a power of arrest, meaning the teen can be arrested and presented to the court for immediate outcome should any conditions be broken, helps officers manage their behaviour more effectively.

Inspector Ross Woods from South Lakes Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Our officers and PCSOs will continue to patrol the hotspot areas identified within South Lakes to prevent and target those responsible for serious violence and criminal behaviour.

“I’d also like to encourage residents to continue to report such behaviour to us. This is really important as it will help us build up a precise picture of where there are persistent problems within our neighbourhoods.”

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “One of my key pledges during my election was, and remains, tackling anti-social behaviour and it is a priority for the public as well – highlighted to me via my Police, Fire and Crime Plan consultation.

“A reduction of ASB by 35% in the South Lakes area is an incredible result and with months left of the Operation, I am positive we will see this continue to fall.

“Whilst the results, so far, are nothing short of fantastic, and show the value of an intelligent approach to tackling crime and disorder, neither I nor the Constabulary are going to rest on our laurels - I will continue to hold the Constabulary to account to ensure we keep seeing positive results, great delivery and very visible policing as a part of Operation Enhance. My aim is to ensure that we continue to build safer communities across Cumbria.

“As your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, my role is to be the voice of residents within Cumbria, in respect of the Police and Fire services – I am your voice.

"If any member of the public has a concern about crime in their area, or around the Constabulary or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, please raise it with me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk."

As part of the operation, the public is encouraged to report antisocial behaviour by visiting the constabulary’s website.

In an emergency always call 999.